So far, the happiest people I’ve come across, have not had the most beautiful faces, nor the best bodies (as defined by society/media). They have not had the most money, nor did they get the best education, or been the biggest geniuses. They have not been the most talented artists nor have they owned the biggest/fanciest houses. They have not had the most friends, or even driven the fanciest cars/motorbikes. They have been people who were just peaceful and happy inside, and that feeling is contagious. So that’s what I’ll keep on striving for. That feeling inside.

There are people among us who thrive on diminishing others. You find them everywhere, at work, in the family, masquerading as friends, romantic partners … they have for whatever combination of life circumstances, developed this modus operandi of subtly but effectively belittling others. And why they mostly get away with it is because the rest of (unsuspecting) us have been raised to respect the feelings and boundaries of others, to be kind, and give others a chance before we give ourselves a chance.

What I have learnt is they cannot make me feel ashamed of my expectations. They cannot make me ashamed of my feelings. They cannot make me ashamed of my passion. They cannot force their beliefs on me. They cannot discredit my opinions. They cannot make me do anything I don’t want to do. Their opinion about me is not important. They cannot make me feel small. I don’t allow them that power over me anymore.